TOWSON, Md. - When Tiger women's soccer alumna Kat Sipes transferred from York College to Towson, she immediately looked for a way to get involved in the community.
"I was looking for something to get involved in other than school and soccer," noted Sipes. "I just looked a few things up online and Soccer Without Borders (SWB) caught my attention. I contacted SWB, had an interview at Starbucks, and started as a volunteer that next weekend at soccer school with the kids. A few years later that turned into a full-time position with the organization."
Sipes' time each day is split into administrative work and her coaching duties.
"As director of coaching, [I create] coaching plans, build partnerships in the community, research merchandise and equipment, and brainstorm with fellow staff on ideas that can better the organization. In the afternoon I get to do what I love: coach soccer and spend time with all of our student-athletes!"
It is a labor of love for the Baltimore native. In fact, a brief hiatus from her position underlined exactly how much she enjoyed and appreciated her job.
"[My favorite part is] definitely working with the kids, not just during soccer, but spending time with them during programming helping with homework and just hanging out," said Sipes. "[B]eing away made me realize two things: even though we might not see it every day, we are making a difference for each student we work with and they do appreciate it. When I came back, the way I felt when the students greeted me and how excited they were to see me was priceless."
Soccer Without Borders has a stated mission "to use soccer as a vehicle for positive change, providing under-served youth a toolkit to overcome obstacles to growth, inclusion and personal success." The organization does so through providing free programming - both sports-based and academic - in four countries around the world.
SWB is a non-profit and must fundraise to keep providing their services. On May 29, the Baltimore chapter is hosting its annual gala "Our World Cup: Five Year of Global Soccer in Baltimore." The gala will feature World Cup-inspired food, silent auctions, door prizes and live music. Some of the student-athletes who participate in the programming will be on-hand to speak about their experiences.
"The upcoming gala is our biggest fundraiser," stressed Sipes. "It is a chance for our supporters, donors, partners, and anyone who has heard about SWB to actually see, hear, and understand what we are really about. It's very important and exciting to be able to show what SWB is."
The event runs from 6-9:30 p.m. at the Cylburn Arboretum in the Vollmer Center, just minutes from the Towson University campus. Tickets are $75 or $100 for VIP. To purchase your ticket, click here.
